This verse from Ruth 2:15 is part of the story of Ruth and Boaz and is key to understanding Boaz's character and the unfolding events. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"When she had risen up to glean...": Ruth, a poor Moabite widow, was following the custom of gleaning. Gleaning meant gathering the leftover grain in the fields after the main harvest. This was a way for the poor to obtain food. She had been working in Boaz's field, picking up what remained after the reapers had harvested. She was likely taking a break or moving to another area.
"Boaz commanded his young men...": Boaz, the owner of the field, had observed Ruth and recognized her hard work and her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. He instructs his male workers (the young men, likely supervisors or foremen) to treat her with special kindness.
"Let her glean even among the sheaves...": This is the crucial part. Normally, gleaners would only pick up what was left on the ground after the main harvest was collected into bundles (sheaves). Boaz is giving Ruth permission to glean among the sheaves themselves. This means his workers should leave extra grain specifically for her to easily gather, essentially making her work much easier and more productive. He's going above and beyond what was required by law or custom. This is an act of great generosity and kindness.
"and don't reproach her.": Boaz is ordering his men not to harass, scold, or insult Ruth. He wants to ensure that she feels safe and welcome in his field. Gleaners were often vulnerable to mistreatment or being driven away. By explicitly prohibiting reproach, Boaz is protecting Ruth and demonstrating his respect for her. It also hints that maybe gleaners weren't always treated with respect.
In essence, this verse shows Boaz's exceptional kindness and protectiveness towards Ruth. He is ensuring she has plenty of food, making her work easier, and protecting her from harassment. This act of generosity lays the foundation for their developing relationship and the future redemption of Naomi's family land. This behavior demonstrates Boaz's character as a righteous and compassionate man. He's not just being generous; he's actively intervening to help a vulnerable woman in need.
This verse from Ruth 2:15 is part of the story of Ruth and Boaz and is key to understanding Boaz's character and the unfolding events. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"When she had risen up to glean...": Ruth, a poor Moabite widow, was following the custom of gleaning. Gleaning meant gathering the leftover grain in the fields after the main harvest. This was a way for the poor to obtain food. She had been working in Boaz's field, picking up what remained after the reapers had harvested. She was likely taking a break or moving to another area.
"Boaz commanded his young men...": Boaz, the owner of the field, had observed Ruth and recognized her hard work and her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. He instructs his male workers (the young men, likely supervisors or foremen) to treat her with special kindness.
"Let her glean even among the sheaves...": This is the crucial part. Normally, gleaners would only pick up what was left on the ground after the main harvest was collected into bundles (sheaves). Boaz is giving Ruth permission to glean among the sheaves themselves. This means his workers should leave extra grain specifically for her to easily gather, essentially making her work much easier and more productive. He's going above and beyond what was required by law or custom. This is an act of great generosity and kindness.
"and don't reproach her.": Boaz is ordering his men not to harass, scold, or insult Ruth. He wants to ensure that she feels safe and welcome in his field. Gleaners were often vulnerable to mistreatment or being driven away. By explicitly prohibiting reproach, Boaz is protecting Ruth and demonstrating his respect for her. It also hints that maybe gleaners weren't always treated with respect.
In essence, this verse shows Boaz's exceptional kindness and protectiveness towards Ruth. He is ensuring she has plenty of food, making her work easier, and protecting her from harassment. This act of generosity lays the foundation for their developing relationship and the future redemption of Naomi's family land. This behavior demonstrates Boaz's character as a righteous and compassionate man. He's not just being generous; he's actively intervening to help a vulnerable woman in need.